- May 21, 2026
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From the outside, there's a quarterback competition in Atlanta. From the inside, there isn't one yet.
The Falcons' official depth chart lists Tua Tagovailoa as the starter, with Cooper Rush as the backup and Jack Strand as the third-string option.
Michael Penix Jr. isn't on the list. Instead, he appears on the depth chart as an "injured player."
Of course, he's not on the physically unable to perform list following last year's ACL injury. Penix is practicing, but he has yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills.
The clock is ticking, and Tua could end up winning the job as of Week 1 by default. And if he performs well, it could be hard for Penix to get back on the field.
The other factor at play is that the current regime has no attachment to Penix. Coach Kevin Stefanski, G.M. Ian Cunningham, and president of football Matt Ryan weren't there when the eighth overall pick was used to acquire Penix. They can ride with the best option.
For now, Tua is clearly the best healthy one.
The Falcons' official depth chart lists Tua Tagovailoa as the starter, with Cooper Rush as the backup and Jack Strand as the third-string option.
Michael Penix Jr. isn't on the list. Instead, he appears on the depth chart as an "injured player."
Of course, he's not on the physically unable to perform list following last year's ACL injury. Penix is practicing, but he has yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills.
The clock is ticking, and Tua could end up winning the job as of Week 1 by default. And if he performs well, it could be hard for Penix to get back on the field.
The other factor at play is that the current regime has no attachment to Penix. Coach Kevin Stefanski, G.M. Ian Cunningham, and president of football Matt Ryan weren't there when the eighth overall pick was used to acquire Penix. They can ride with the best option.
For now, Tua is clearly the best healthy one.